Gooseneck valve arrangement for diecasting machine

ABSTRACT

High speed, automatic diecasting machines include a gooseneck injector structure, partially immersed in a pot of molten metal, which contains a pump and valve arrangement for injecting molten metal into the die. Because of the severe service conditions, elements of the pump and valve require frequent service, however, the described arrangement permits these elements to be selectively and quickly removed and replaced without the need for emptying the melting pot or disassembling the entire gooseneck structure.

United States Patent 1191 Spalding et al.

1 51 Dec. 11, 1973 1 GOOSENECK VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR 1,596,356 8/1926 Hughes 417/554 D S N MACHINE 1,948,992 2/1934 Movin 164/318 [75] Inventors: Robert H. Spalding; James A. Primer y Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Spalding both of Monroe Clty Assistant Examiner-Davi d A. Scherbel [73] Assignee: Diemakers, lnc., Monroe City, Mo. Aff0m@y-Cl3l1de Fishbum et [22] F1led: Apr. 24, 1972 ABSTRACT [211 App! 246675 High speed, automatic diecasting machines include a gooseneck injector structure, partially immersed in a 52 Us. 01 222/385, 164/318, 417/554 P of molten metal, which contains a P p and valve 511 1111. c1 B22d 37/00 arrangement for injecting molten metal into the die 58 Field 6: Search 222/385, DIG. 10, Because of the severe service n iti ns. lements of 222/383; 164/316, 318, 312-315; 417/554 the pump and valve require frequent service, however, the described arrangement permits these elements to [56] References Cited be selectively and quickly removed and replaced with- UNITED STATES PATENTS out the need for emptying the melting pot or disassem- 3,319,702 5/1967 Hartwig et al. 164/316 bhng the enme gooseneck structure 3,364,981 1/1968 Perrella et al. 164/318 10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures a QM L 4s 52 451i, 69 I I 1' 1 4 10 l r 7 ll f 1f '1. l r 4 u I: 2 I 1] I :V/

l 1 7 @n I 57- 2 l6 I L1 3 L 4 5 l K4 A Is 3| 5 2O s g 24 GOOSENECK VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR DIECASTING MACHINE This invention relates to high speed, automatic diecasting machines and more particularly to molten metal valve and pump structures therefor.

Modern, high speed, automatic diecasting machines include structure termed the gooseneck" which is movably mounted on the machine for rapid reciprocation toward and away from cooperating dies and cores which receive molten metal therefrom. The gooseneck incudes valve and pump elements which are at least partially immersed in molten diecasting metal during operation. Because the pump and valve elements normally function under simultaneous conditions of high pressure, high speed, high temperature and a corrosive environment, they require relatively frequent service and/or replacement, during which procedures the machine is out of operation.

Heretofore, in obtaining access to the pump and valve elements, it has been often necessary to first drain or dip out the molten metal and then disassemble the entire gooseneck to reach the pump piston and valve structures. This required several hours of difficult and distasteful labor by skilled workmen which, when coupled with the production loss due to machine downtime, resulted in considerable expense.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a gooseneck injector arrangement for high speed, automatic diecasting machines which permits the pump and valve structure to be easily removed for service or replacement; to provide such an arrangement wherein the pump and valve structure is normally immersed in liquid metal but is easily removable therefrom without disturbing the liquid metal; to provide such an arrangement wherein the pump and valve structure may be removed and replaced within a few minutes, significantly reducing expected down-time of the diecasting machine; to provide such an arrangement wherein the injector piston and valve may be removed for service independently of the cooperating piston sleeve, when desired; and to provide such a diecasting machine pump and valve structure which is relatively simple and inexpensive in design, easily assembled and well suited for its intended purpose.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, cross sectional view through a diecasting machine gooseneck assembly showing a pump and valve arrangement embodying this invention, the valve being in open condition.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, cross sectional view through the gooseneck assembly, taken on the line 2-2, FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the gooseneck assembly.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, cross sectional view through the gooseneck assembly, on an enlarged scale, showing the valve in closed or injecting condition.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, cross sectional, exploded view of the gooseneck assembly illustrating various parts in aligned, spaced apart condition.

Referring to the drawings in more detail:

The reference numeral 1 generally indicates a high speed, automatic diecasting machine gooseneck assembly whereby measured amounts of molten metal are repeatedly delivered under high speed and pressure through a die engagable nozzle 2 to a die (not shown). The gooseneck assembly 1 comprises a frame 3 which contains and forms part of an injector arrangement 4 described below.

The frame 3 is a rigid elongated structure of hollow configuration and has a lower portion 5 normally generally immersed below molten metal pot level 6, FIG. 1, and an upper portion 7 extending thereabove. The frame 3 has, in this example, generous openings 8 and 9, FIG. 2, extending transversely into the frame hollow and downwardly to the lower portion 5, thereby exposing said lower portion to flow through of molten metal, FIG. 1. Generally vertical, axially aligned upper and lower bores 10 and 11 extend respectively through the upper and lower frame portions 7 and 5 and are separated by the frame hollow or interior 12.

A transverse bore 13 extends into the frame 3 and is tapered to form a suitable socket for receiving and retaining a support 14 for the nozzle 2. A conduit 15 extends diagonally through the lower portion 5 and provides communication between the transverse bore 13 and the frame lower bore 11. The support 14 has an interior passageway 16 and a transverse opening 17 by which communication is provided between the nozzle 2 and the conduit 15.

The frame lower bore 11 is divided into an upper section 18 and a lower section 19 of lesser diameter than the upper section 18, forming a circular, upwardly directed shoulder 20 therebetween. An open top cup member 21 has a lower part 22 closely slidably received into the lower bore lower section 19 and an upper part 23 of greater diameter, forming a rim 24 engaging the lower bore shoulder 20 and limiting the cup member 21 against further downward displacement in the frame 3. A lateral opening 25 extends through the cylindrical side wall of the cup member lower part 22 and, when properly aligned, communicates with the frame conduit 15, thereby completing a pathway between the cup member interior 26 and the nozzle 2.

The cup member upper part 23 has a top conical surface 27 extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer periphery thereof. A seal 28, of any suitable, high temperature resisting material has an upper surface 29 and a lower surface 30, the latter engaging the cup member upper conical surface 27. A piston sleeve 31 has a central bore 32 and a lower conical surface 33 which engages the seal upper surface 29. The piston sleeve 31 is of lesser maximum external diameter than the upper section 18 of the frame lower bore 11 and has an upwardly directed circular shoulder 34 and a cylindrical riser surface 35 extending above the shoulder 34.

A retaining tube 36 is axially received in the frame bores 10 and 11 and is of sufficient length to extend across and through the frame interior 12. The retaining tube 36 further has a lower end 37 abutting the piston sleeve shoulder 34 and tightly receiving the piston sleeve riser surface 35 so as to require a positive force to produce separation. The retaining tube 36 also includes an upper end 38 and wall perforations 39 positioned at least partly below the pot level 6, thereby exposing the tube interior 40 to liquid diecasting metal.

A mounting platform 41 is secured at the underside thereof to the frame upper portion 7 by means of suitable bolts 42. The platform 41 includes a bore 43 receiving an internally threaded sleeve 44 having a threaded bore 45 axially aligned with the frame upper bore 10. A nut member 46 is threadedly inserted in the threaded bore 45 and has a downwardly directed shoulder 47 engaging the retaining tube upper end 38. The nut member 46, upon suitable rotation within the threaded bore 45, selectively urges the piston sleeve 31 into a sealing arrangement with respect to the cup member 21.

A piston rod 48 is loosely received within the retaining tube 36 and has a threaded bore 49 extending axially downwardly into the upper portion 50 thereof. A fluid operated cylinder 51, of suitable construction, is mounted on the upper side of the platform 41 and has a projecting rod 52 axially aligned and engaged with the piston rod 48 for producing axial reciprocation of the piston rod 48 within the retaining tube 36.

The projecting rod 52 is tubular in construction and loosely contains an externally threaded rod 53 which is engaged, at the lower portion thereof, in the piston rod threaded bore 49. The upper portion of the threaded rod 53 extends through the cylinder 51 and projects past the upper end thereof. A helical compression spring 54 surrounds the upper portion of the threaded rod 53 and exerts resilient force respectively against the upper end of the projecting rod 52 and a washer 55 which is adjustably retained at the upper end of the threaded rod 53 by means of a nut 56. The arrangement of the spring 54 provides a shock absorbing connection between the cylinder projecting rod 52 and the piston rod 48 which is operable at the termination of the cylinder downstroke.

An elongated piston 57 is reciprocally received in the piston sleeve 31 and has an upper end 58 removably anchored in a key seat to the lower end of the piston rod 48. The lower end 59 of the piston 57 includes an interior passageway 60 extending transversely at 61 into said piston from a position normally below pot level 6, but above the sleeve 31, and then longitudinally downwardly at 62 within said piston. A valve chamber 63 extends upwardly into the lower end 64 of the piston 57 and communicates with the piston interior passageway 60., I

The valve chamber 63 is somewhat greater in diameter than the interior passageway 60, forming a valve closure surface 65 therebetween. A valve ball 66 is loosely received in the valve chamber 63 and is adapted to provide a seal against liquid flow upwardly within the interior passageway 60 upon engagement between the valve ball 66 and valve surface 65. A retainer pin 67 extends transversely into the piston near the piston lower end 64 and blocks the exit of the valve ball from the valve chamber 63 but permits free ball movement within the chamber as well as flow of molten metal therethrough.

The platform 41, to which is secured the frame 3 and cylinder 51, is fixed to a mounting block 68 by which the platform 41 is removably secured to a bracket 69. The bracket 69 is pivotally mounted at 70 to the diecasting machine frame (not shown). With this arrangement the gooseneck frame 3 is adapted to rock or pivot with the bracket 69 whereby the nozzle 2 is reciprocally carried into and out of contact with the die (not shown) for injecting liquid metal thereinto. A suitable link arrangement 71 is engaged with the frame 3 and motion producing apparatus (not shown) for selec tively rocking the frame 3 into and out of injecting position.

In operation, when liquid metal injection is called for,

the cylinder 51 exerts a downward force on the projecting rod 52, which force is transferred through the piston rod 48 to the piston 57, resulting in downward motion of the piston 57. This downward motion, due to the flow restricting nozzle 2, causes upward metal movement in the passageway 60, urging the ball 66 into sealing engagement with the valve surface 65 whereupon the only exit for molten metal contained in the cup member interior 26 is through the conduit 15 and out the nozzle 2. Upon the return stroke of the cylinder 51 the valve ball 66 drops away from the valve surface 65 permitting molten metal to flow downwardly through the interior passageway 60, past the valve ball 66 and into the cup member interior 26, thereby replenishing the previously injected metal.

When maintenance of the valve ball 66 and/or piston 57 is required, it is a relatively simple matter to first insert a rotation preventing tool (not shown) into a transverse passageway 72 provided in the piston rod 48 and remove the nut 56 by rotation. The cylinder 51 may then be dismounted and removed leaving the threaded rod 53 projecting above the platform 41 and exposing the nut member 46. The nut member 46 is then removed, thereby permitting the piston 57 and piston rod 48 to be withdrawn from the retaining tube 36 by grasping the threaded rod 53. Replacement of a serviced piston, valve and piston rod merely follows the reverse procedure, and in neither instance is it necessary to drain the liquid metal or reduce the level 6 thereof.

Upon removal of the nut member 46, the retaining tube 36 is also freed for easy removal and, if service to the piston sleeve 31 is desired, the retaining tube 36 is withdrawn through the frame upper bore 10, carrying with it the tightly fitting piston sleeve. This latter operation, like the piston and valve, may be accomplished without disturbing the liquid metal in the melting pot.

It is to be understood that while one form of this invention has been illustrated and described, it is not to be limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a diecasting machine of the type wherein molten metal is delivered under pressure through a die engagable nozzle, an easily serviceable injector for effecting said delivery comprising:

a. a gooseneck frame having a lower portion associated with said nozzle and adapted for immersion below molten metal level and an upper portion spaced above said frame lower portion,

b. said frame having upper and lower aligned bores extending respectively through said upper frame portion and into said frame lower portion, means associated with said frame lower bore forming an upwardly directed sealing surface and a passageway communicating with said nozzle,

c. a piston sleeve having a piston receiving bore and a lower surface engaging said upwardly directed sealing surface, a retaining tube axially received downwardly into said frame bores, said retaining tube having a lateral opening below molten metal level and a lower end abutting and grasping said piston sleeve,

d. means mounting said gooseneck frame with respect to said machine, a securing member removably associated with said gooseneck frame upper portion and engaging said retaining tube upper end, said securing member selectively urging said piston sleeve lower surface into sealing engagement with said sealing surface,

e. a piston rod received downwardly within said retaining tube, removable reciprocating displacement means having a projecting rod engaged with said piston rod for producing axial reciprocations of said piston rod within said retaining tube,

f. a piston reciprocally received downwardly into said piston sleeve and having an upper end anchored to said piston rod, said piston having an interior passageway extending from the exterior thereinto and downwardly within said piston from a position at least periodically located above said piston sleeve and below molten metal level,

g. a valve seal surface on said piston and communieating with said piston interior passageway, a valve closure member retained by said piston and adapted to seal said piston passageway upon movement of said piston in one direction, but permit flow therepast upon movement of said piston in the other direction, whereby said piston and valve closure member and piston sleeve are selectively removable upwardly from said frame without disturbing immersion of said frame lower portion.

2. The diecasting machine as forth froth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said gooseneck frame is of hollow interior configuration and said upper and lower frame bores are separated by said hollow interior configuration.

3. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said frame lower bore is divided into an upper section and a lower section, said lower bore lower section being of lesser diameter than said lower bore upper section forming a shoulder therebetween,

b. an open top cup member having a lower part closely slidably received into said lower bore lower section and an upper part of greater diameter forming a rim engaging said lower bore shoulder and restricting said cup member against downward displacement in said frame,

c. a lateral opening in said cup member and communicating with said nozzle,

d. said cup member upper part having an upper conical surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer periphery thereof, said upper conical surface forming said upwardly directed sealing surface.

4. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said piston sleeve has an upwardly directed shoulder and a cylindrical riser surface extending above said shoulder,

b. said retaining tube lower end abutting said piston sleeve shoulder and tightly grasping said piston sleeve riser surface.

5. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said means mounting said gooseneck frame comprises a platform secured to said frame upper portion and having a bore aligned with said frame upper bore, and

b. said securing member comprises a nut member removably mounted in said platform bore and engaging said retaining tube upper end.

6. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

a. said reciprocating displacement means comprises a fluid operated cylinder mounted on said platform.

7. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said piston includes a valve chamber extending upwardly into the lower end thereof and communicating with said piston interior passageway,

b. said seal surface being formed between said valve chamber and said piston interior passageway,

c. said valve closure member comprising a valve ball loosely retained in said valve chamber and adapted to seal against said seal surface.

8. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 7 including:

a. a retainer pin extending transversely into said piston near the piston lower end and blocking the exit of said valve ball from said valve chamber.

9. In a diecasting machine:

a. a gooseneck injector at least partially immersed in molten metal, a piston operably associated with said injector and movable with respect thereto, a piston sleeve slidably receiving said piston, a valve movable with said piston.

b. said piston, sleeve and valve being located at least partially below molten metal level, and

c. means forming a passageway in said piston communicating with said valve and opening at a location above said sleeve but below molten metal level,

d. said piston and piston sleeve and valve being removably received in said gooseneck injector permitting removal therefrom for servicing without disturbing the gooseneck injector-metal relationship.

10. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein:

a. said piston is of greater length than said piston sleeve. 

1. In a diecasting machine of the type wherein molten metal is delivered under pressure through a die engagable nozzle, an easily serviceable injector for effecting said delivery comprising: a. a gooseneck frame having a lower portion associated with said nozzle and adapted for immersion below molten metal level and an upper portion spaced above said frame lower portion, b. said frame having upper and lower aligned bores extending respectively through said upper frame portion and into said frame lower portion, means associated with said frame lower bore forming an upwardly directed sealing surface and a passageway communicating with said nozzle, c. a piston sleeve having a piston receiving bore and a lower surface engaging said upwardly directed sealing surface, a retaining tube axially received downwardly into said frame bores, said retaining tube having a lateral opening below molten metal level and a lower end abutting and grasping said piston sleeve, d. means mounting said gooseneck frame with respect to said machine, a securing member removably associated with said gooseneck frame upper portion and engaging said retaining tube upper end, said securing member selectively urging said piston sleeve lower surface into sealing engagement with said sealing surface, e. a piston rod received downwardly within said retaining tube, removable reciprocating displacement means having a projecting rod engaged with said piston rod for producing axial reciprocations of said piston rod within said retaining tube, f. a piston reciprocally received downwardly into said piston sleeve and having an upper end anchored to said piston rod, said piston having an interior passageway extending from the exterior thereinto and downwardly within said piston from a position at least periodically located above said piston sleeve and below molten metal level, g. a valve seal surface on said piston and communicating with said piston interior passageway, a valve closure member retained by said piston and adapted to seal said piston passageway upon movement of said piston in one direction, but permit flow therepast upon movement of said piston in the other direction, whereby said piston and valve closure member and piston sleeve are selectively removable upwardly from said frame without disturbing immersion of said frame lower portion.
 2. The diecasting machine as forth froth in claim 1 wherein: a. said gooseneck frame is of hollow interior configuration and said upper and lower frame bOres are separated by said hollow interior configuration.
 3. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said frame lower bore is divided into an upper section and a lower section, said lower bore lower section being of lesser diameter than said lower bore upper section forming a shoulder therebetween, b. an open top cup member having a lower part closely slidably received into said lower bore lower section and an upper part of greater diameter forming a rim engaging said lower bore shoulder and restricting said cup member against downward displacement in said frame, c. a lateral opening in said cup member and communicating with said nozzle, d. said cup member upper part having an upper conical surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer periphery thereof, said upper conical surface forming said upwardly directed sealing surface.
 4. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said piston sleeve has an upwardly directed shoulder and a cylindrical riser surface extending above said shoulder, b. said retaining tube lower end abutting said piston sleeve shoulder and tightly grasping said piston sleeve riser surface.
 5. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said means mounting said gooseneck frame comprises a platform secured to said frame upper portion and having a bore aligned with said frame upper bore, and b. said securing member comprises a nut member removably mounted in said platform bore and engaging said retaining tube upper end.
 6. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a. said reciprocating displacement means comprises a fluid operated cylinder mounted on said platform.
 7. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said piston includes a valve chamber extending upwardly into the lower end thereof and communicating with said piston interior passageway, b. said seal surface being formed between said valve chamber and said piston interior passageway, c. said valve closure member comprising a valve ball loosely retained in said valve chamber and adapted to seal against said seal surface.
 8. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 7 including: a. a retainer pin extending transversely into said piston near the piston lower end and blocking the exit of said valve ball from said valve chamber.
 9. In a diecasting machine: a. a gooseneck injector at least partially immersed in molten metal, a piston operably associated with said injector and movable with respect thereto, a piston sleeve slidably receiving said piston, a valve movable with said piston. b. said piston, sleeve and valve being located at least partially below molten metal level, and c. means forming a passageway in said piston communicating with said valve and opening at a location above said sleeve but below molten metal level, d. said piston and piston sleeve and valve being removably received in said gooseneck injector permitting removal therefrom for servicing without disturbing the gooseneck injector-metal relationship.
 10. The diecasting machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein: a. said piston is of greater length than said piston sleeve. 